Glossary
Checks and Balances
A system in which each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of the other branches.
Example:
The Senate's power to reject presidential appointments is a key example of checks and balances, preventing the executive branch from unilaterally filling positions.
Chief Diplomat
The President's role as the nation's primary representative in foreign affairs, responsible for negotiating treaties, appointing ambassadors, and recognizing foreign governments.
Example:
Acting as Chief Diplomat, the President hosted a summit with several world leaders to discuss global climate change, aiming to forge international agreements.
Commander in Chief
The President's role as the supreme commander of the armed forces of the United States, responsible for military strategy and operations.
Example:
As Commander in Chief, the President authorized the deployment of troops to a disaster zone to provide humanitarian aid and maintain order.
Executive Agreement
An international agreement, entered into by the President without the need for Senate ratification, often used for routine administrative matters or to implement existing laws.
Example:
To quickly address a cross-border environmental issue, the President entered into an executive agreement with Canada, bypassing the lengthy treaty ratification process.
Executive Order
A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government and has the force of law, without requiring Congressional approval.
Example:
Facing legislative gridlock, the President issued an executive order to raise the minimum wage for federal contractors, directly impacting government operations.
Judicial Review
The power of the courts to determine whether acts of the legislative and executive branches are consistent with the Constitution.
Example:
The Supreme Court exercised judicial review when it struck down a state law, declaring it unconstitutional because it violated citizens' First Amendment rights.
Pocket Veto
An indirect veto of a legislative bill by the President by retaining the bill unsigned until it is too late for it to be dealt with during the legislative session.
Example:
When Congress adjourned before the 10-day period expired, the President's inaction on the controversial education reform bill resulted in a pocket veto, effectively killing the legislation.
Signing Statement
A written declaration issued by the President upon signing a bill into law, often providing the President's interpretation of the law or how it will be enforced by the executive branch.
Example:
Upon signing the new environmental protection act, the President issued a signing statement clarifying how the executive agencies should interpret and implement certain ambiguous provisions of the law.
Treaty
A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states, negotiated by the President but requiring a two-thirds vote of approval by the Senate to be ratified.
Example:
The President negotiated a new trade treaty with several European nations, which then awaited the Senate's two-thirds vote for ratification.
Veto
The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless Congress overrides it with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
Example:
President Smith decided to veto the new infrastructure bill, citing concerns about its excessive spending, sending it back to Congress for reconsideration.
War Powers Act (Resolution)
A federal law intended to check the President's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of Congress, requiring notification within 48 hours and limiting deployment to 60 days without Congressional approval.
Example:
After deploying special forces to a volatile region, the President immediately notified Congress as required by the War Powers Act, initiating the 60-day clock for congressional approval.